Raise your hand if you’ve ever poured hours into recording an educational video for your business, only to get three views (and one was your mom).

Yeah… I’ve been there too.

Short-form video is one of the most powerful marketing tools we have in 2025. But there’s a problem: most educational videos aren’t connecting. And it’s not because the information is bad, but because the delivery doesn’t match how people actually consume content.

If your audience isn’t watching your videos, the issue isn’t your value. It’s your format.

Let’s fix that.

Ever Heard of Bobblehead Marketing?

Here’s what most of us do (myself included at one point): we stand in front of the camera, talk at it for 30 seconds, nod a little too much, and call it a day.

That’s what I call Bobblehead Marketing, and it’s the reason your views stall out.

People don’t come to social media to get a lecture. They come to feel seen, curious, entertained, inspired.

So even if your information could change someone’s business or life, they’ll scroll past it if it doesn’t make them feel anything.

In fact, emotional connection drives loyalty more than satisfaction or logic. So if your content isn’t sparking emotion, it’s forgettable.

Step 1: Frame It Around What

They Care About

Most educators frame the video around what they think is important. Not gonna work. Instead, frame it around what your audience actually cares about.

For example:

• “Here’s how to use different colored pegs in your materials.”

(Audience: why should I care about this? Scroll!)

• “Here’s how to tell if your supplier is cutting corners (hint: look at the color of your pegs).”
  (Audience: how can I tell if they’re cutting corners? Need to hear this!)

Same topic. Completely different hook.

This principle shows up across all types of content marketing. For more examples of how to frame messages effectively, check out my post on The Neuroscience of Memorable Marketing.

Step 2: Use Emotion and Curiosity to Pull People In

Your primary goal is to make people care enough to want to learn.

Ask yourself:

• Can I make them curious?
  
• Can I make them feel seen?
  
• Can I make them laugh or nod along?

A good educational video starts like a good story, drawing people in emotionally before delivering the facts. As a bonus, when curiosity drives learning, retention skyrockets (and so does engagement).

So, before you hit record, ask: Why should they care?

And then build from there.

Step 3: Change Up the Delivery

If you’re always just talking to the camera, it’s time to mix things up. Here are a few ADHD-friendly and highly effective formats:

• Sketch or POV format: Act out the problem instead of describing it.
  
• Voiceover + visuals: Show what you’re talking about rather than just saying it.
  
• Overheard conversations: “What if your boss actually knew what you did all day?”
  
• Behind-the-scenes clips: People love watching real moments. Add context through captions or narration.

It may take a little more planning, but trust me, it’ll go a lot further.

Step 4: Simplify and Hook Fast

This part’s simple but powerful:

• One idea per video. Don’t cram three lessons into one clip.
  
• Hook them in the first three seconds. Start with a question, a pain point, or a surprising fact.
  
• Put your best moment early. Don’t save your “aha!” for the end because people rarely get there.

Remember: your audience doesn’t owe you their attention. You have to earn it quickly.

Step 5: Tell Micro-Stories That Stick

Education wrapped in story always wins. Instead of saying, “Hire carefully,” tell a 15-second story about someone who hired the wrong person and what happened next.

That emotional connection keeps people watching and remembering.

This storytelling approach is what I teach inside my workshops (I also touch on it in Marketing That Works in a Turbulent Economy). Because the truth is, even the most logical audiences buy emotionally first and justify it later.

The Bottom Line

Educational videos are still one of the best ways to build authority and attract your ideal clients…but only if they’re entertaining, emotionally engaging, and framed around what matters most to your audience.

You can teach and entertain.
You can share value and keep it fun.
And most importantly you can build content that people actually want to watch and share.

Ready to Turn Your Videos Into Marketing That Works?

If you’re tired of posting videos that don’t get seen (or don’t convert), it’s time to rethink your strategy.

See how I help small business owners build marketing that works without burning out.

You’ll get ADHD-friendly frameworks, storytelling strategies, and creative ideas designed to make your content work with your brain and for your business!